Fitness and Nutrition Diploma Level 2

Fitness Instructors provide a comprehensive, one-on-one personal fitness assessment and training programme. The purpose of the programme is to assist clients in setting and achieving realistic fitness goals based on each client's needs. Ultimately, the client should be able to develop individually and follow goals based on the personal trainer's knowledge.

Fitness Instructors are expected to work independently and adhere to the guidelines of their certifying organisation, as well as any company policies and procedures.

Student Profile
This course is suitable for anyone wishing to become a fitness instructor or personal trainer, although further practical training will be required for insurance purposes.

Study Method
The course is designed for home study with full tutor support. Students will receive a course manual, assignments and a study guide, plus all the tutor details.

Assessment
Students are assessed through a series of tutor marked assignments based on their understanding of the course content.  The assignments take the form of a series of structured questions.

Qualification
Level 2 Award in Fitness and Nutrition plus a UK Open Learning Diploma.
At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Level 2 NCFE Award certificate of achievement. That means that it is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to level 2 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland”

Awarding Body Information
NCFE is recognised as an awarding body by the qualification regulators ('regulators') for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The regulators are the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England, the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) in Wales and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland.

Further information 
www.ncfe.org.uk

Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements but students must be committed to the aims of the programme and study method.

Personal requirements
Potential students should have some or all of the following:
■Reasonable level of physical fitness
■Enthusiastic, outgoing personality
■Compliance with minimum age limits that may be required locally or by insurance
■Good communication and leadership skills
■Ability to work well with others
■Positive and enthusiastic personality in dealing with participants
■Presents clients with established fitness principles
■Ability to work independently and maintain strict confidentiality

Your Questions Answered
How does the course work?
We send you the complete course by courier and you complete a series of assignments which you e-mail or post to a tutor for marking.

Is there a word count for my assignments?
No, there is no specific word count, but you have to prove to the tutor that you have fully understood the questions. One sentence answers will be rejected and you will be asked to resubmit the assignment.

Is there an exam at the end of the course?
No, your certificate is awarded on successful completion of your assignments.

Can I become a Fitness Instructor when I have completed this course? 
No, this course is an entry course which will enable you to get on to higher courses. It is best to get a higher course which is recognised by a Fitness association. One of these is the FIA (see www.fia.org.uk for more details.) or you can contact your local Gym and Fitness Instructors to see which qualifications they recommend.

How long do I have to complete the course?
This course can be studied at your own pace and there are no deadlines for assignments. However, you must complete the course within 12 months from the date you received the course. To complete this course, it will take in the region of 90 study hours which can be spread over a 12 month period.

Course Outline
Unit 1: Nutrition
■Macronutrients
■Micronutrients
■Additional supplements
■Daily caloric requirements
■Dietary requirements

Tutor Marked Assignment 1

Unit 2: Physiology
■Energy production
■Cardiovascular
■Muscle Fibre Types

Unit 3 Kinesiology
■Anatomy
■Muscle action
■Joint action

Tutor Marked Assignment 2

Unit 4: Aerobic Training
■Benefits
■Weekly requirements and limitations
■Diet requirements
■Types of aerobic activities
■Pregnancy
■Heart rates
■Blood pressure
■Specific aerobic activities
■Teaching aerobics

Unit 5 Plyometric and Weight Training
■Benefits
■Circuit training
■Overload principles
■Free weights v machines
■Lifting techniques
■Sets and repetitions
■Weekly requirements
■Diet requirements

Tutor Marked Assignment 3

Unit 6 Sample Workout and Fitness Test
■Flexibility test
■One-minute Sit-up test
■Push-up test
■3 Minute Step test
■Body composition

Unit 7: Specialised Training
■Stretching
■Yoga
■Pregnancy
■Senior fitness
■Exercise injury

Tutor Marked Assignment 4

■Anatomy chart
■Useful contacts        
■IFA Code of Ethics
■Glossary of nutritional information
■Glossary of Fitness Terms